OpinionsNneeded: Did I Mess Up?

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LeatherMan64

Joined
Jan 15, 2013
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A few days ago, I passed up an opportunity to buy an old Robeson jack knife. Both blades were intact but had lots of sharpening wear, and were almost black with patina. Both bolsters were present and tight, and had minimal nicks and scratches. The main problem with this knife was that one of the ebony scales (the blackest set of covers I've seen in person) had been broken, then repaired very poorly. It was in a junk shop here in town, so I did have the opportunity to fondle it for a few minutes. The asking prices was $20 (I apologize if mentioning the price is some kind of infraction). Considering the money and condition (wish I had some pictures), do you guys think it was right to walk away from it, or did I miss my a major steal?

This is the closest picture I could find. Just Imagine everything being worn/dulled/patina'd. I don't own the picture, it belongs to CNoyes, and is buried somewhere in the "Old Knives" thread.
TwoBlade8B.jpg
 
If it were me... I would have taken it. But that´s just me. When I find an american made traditional pocket knife - which is my major intention in collecting - I just take. The price (mostly) is secondary for me.

Did the scale break out or "just" had a break in it self, so that you could have fix it? Wanted you to carry the knife or just for collecting?
 
I don't know, it all depends on how badly it was repaired.
If I were you, I'd go back there and offer them $10.00 for it, and see what they say.
 
I wouldn't pay $20 for a knife with worn blades & damaged covers. I don't know what Robeson's usually sell for, though.
 
@Humppa: the scale was broken in every sense of the word, and would have needed replaced. And it would have been to use, no such thing as a show piece with me.
 
Thanks for the answer, LeatherMan64.

Ok, if it would have been broken that bad - I would have think about it twice (when it would have been a german knife which are pretty common here).

What Tom said: It depends on...

(But propably I couldn´t resist.)
 
Personally I would have made them an offer on it. If they sold it to me for what I thought it was worth I then would have someone here make a proper repair. Just my two cents.
 
Based on your description, I wouldn't have paid $20 for it. I would have bought it for less, but probably as a project knife.

I think you made a good call, and $20 can by a pretty fair used knife if you are patient in your searching.
 
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